Manuel wants to adjust Howard at plate

Friday

Jan 27, 2012 at 12:01 AMJan 27, 2012 at 5:00 AM

By Kevin CooneyStaff writer

COOPERSBURG, Pa. — While Ryan Howard’s continues to rehabilitate from the Achilles tendon blowout that he suffered in the final at-bat of the 2011 season, Charlie Manuel is looking for ways to rehabilitate his slugger’s sagging production numbers.

Yes, the reconstruction of the “Big Piece’s” swing has already begun — again. And once again, the longtime hitting coach wants Howard to take a step in toward the plate.

“That’s exactly what we’re trying to do,” Manuel said during the Phillies Winter Tour stop at DeSales University near Allentown on Thursday night. “We want to keep him on the ball a little bit better. Make sure he has better plate coverage. That means he’ll have better balance.

“I used to say Ryan Howard is a big technique hitter. That’s basically what he is. It’s just a matter of us working more with him. We can spend more time with him this way. We just want to tinker with his swing. We want him to be comfortable.”

According to Manuel, Howard — who he saw in Florida last week during a workout session — is ahead of schedule on his rehabilitation on the left Achillies injury that was suffered in making the final out in the Game 5 loss against the Cardinals in the National League Division Series.

“I think it’s a reach to think he’s going to be ready on opening day of the season,” Manuel said. “We’ll play it out right now and see where it goes. There is a chance he’s going to miss some time. I don’t think it’s going to be a whole lot, though. We’ll just wait and see. He’s going to get well. I think he’s going to have a big year.”

If this talk about plate location sounds really familiar, it’s because the location of Howard in the batter’s box seems to be a yearly debate. What Manuel and the Phils staff apparently want to believe is that the rehab process that Howard’s on allows them an opportunity to rework things from scratch.

“He’ll be receptive. I think he’ll accept it. He’ll definitely try it. When the ball starts beating him, he has his doubts,” Manuel said. “It’s not like we want him to stand directly on top of the plate. It’s a matter of him being able to swing freely at the ball away from him and inside without losing his balance.”

Remember that the Phillies once encouraged Howard to talk to slugger Barry Bonds with the idea that the sport’s all-time home run leader would get him to move in a step.

“The reason I wanted him to go was because Bonds was going to get him closer to the plate,” Manuel said. “I knew that. Ryan stands there at times. But he’s never got comfortable where I want him to stand. This is a good chance for us to see.”

Until Howard returns, it appears likely that Ty Wigginton and John Mayberry will see the bulk of the time at first base. Jim Thome may get some action there, but Manuel cautioned against that.

“We want to see if we can use Jimmy for first base every now and then,” he said.

The other big question of the spring could be the contract status of starting pitcher Cole Hamels, who is eligible for free agency at the end of the 2012 season and could be the most sought-after free agent in next year’s class.

Some pitchers have become distracted in contract years. Manuel doesn’t think that will be the case with Hamels.

“I think Hamels’ stuff last year was as good as I’ve seen him have,” Manuel said. “His cutter has improved 100 percent. And all that, he still has a curveball he drops off on a left-hander. He’s set and prepared to have a big year.”

Lidge signs with Nats

Reliever Brad Lidge signed a one-year contract with the Washington Nationals on Thursday. Lidge will forever be known for his 48 saves in 48 chances in 2008 as the Phillies went on to win the World Series.

“He’s been working out at the ballpark,” Manuel said. “I’ve talked to him about every time I come. He was disappointed because we couldn’t work something out with him. He was with us through our glory days. As we know, he was all part of it. He did a good job for us. It’s tough. It’s tough for Brad, but it’s also tough for us.”

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